New Rexburg Walmart Will Be Double the Size of Current Building - East Idaho News
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New Rexburg Walmart Will Be Double the Size of Current Building

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REXBURG — A big new Walmart, currently under construction, stands to make a big impact on the Upper Valley economy.

“If you have a store that comes in … that improves the jobs that you can get — I think it’s a good thing,” Rexburg resident, Catherine Johnson said.

The new building is double the size of Rexburg’s current Walmart. The new building is more than 190,000 square feet, and house double the employees, bringing over 200 more jobs to the community.

While many believe that’s a good thing, some wonder how local mom-and-pop shops will be impacted.

“I can see it probably affecting businesses. How they adapt to it, I’m curious to see. But it will be good for those who like to shop at Walmart,” Rexburg Building Inspector Quinton Owens said. “It’s also farther away from the college, but on the positive side, more might go to the stores that are closer.”

The new store also will be closer for people living in St. Anthony, Driggs, and other places. It will include a full-service gas station and there is even talk of a shuttle service.

Officials with the city of Rexburg say they’re gearing up for the grand opening.

“We’re looking at some public works infrastructure improvements, which include street widening. We are working on getting some water and sewer services out there,” Owens said.

There is no confirmation of an opening date, but it is expected to be up and running at the beginning of 2016.

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